Alarm system and apparatus

ABSTRACT

The disclosure embraces a system or apparatus particulary for use with a receptacle or body such as a coin box associated with a game device or vending machine for automatically providing an audible alarm for the purpose of combating thievery upon attempts by unauthorized persons to pilfer, dislodge or open the receptacle or coin box.

United States Patent 1191 Bagley 1 1 Sept. 18, 1973 [S4] ALARM SYSTEM AND APPARATUS 2,143,221 1/1939 Crenshaw 273/11 C 2,643,372 6/1953 Stelter ZOO/61.61 X [751 1 'P 3,244,137 4/1966 Garvey 116/106 I T d 3,561,395 2/1971 Piersma [73] Ass1gnee Questor Corporation, ole 0, Ohm 3,670,689 6/1972 pp [22] Filed: July 28, 1971 3,690,286 9/1972 Gantt 116/112 21 A 1. N 166,883 1 pp 0 Primary ExaminerLou1s .1. Capozl Attorney-Harry O. Ernsberger et a1. [52] US. Cl 116/76, 109/39, 116/6, 116/112, 232/16, 273/14 511 Int. Cl. G08b 13/08 [57] ABSTRACT Field 61 Search 1 16/76, 77, as, 996, The disclosure embraces a system or apparatus p 116/8, 112, 106, 142 PP; 232/16; 109/27, 29, lary for use with a receptacle or body such as a coin box 31, 32, 38, 39, 73; 273/34, 11 C, 14; associated with a game device or vending machine for ZOO/61.61; 340/274, 276 automatically providing an audible alarm for the purpose of combating thievery upon attempts by unautho- 56] Ref n e Ci rized persons to pilfer, dislodge or open the receptacle UNlTED STATES PATENTS or com 621,015 3/ 1899 Barnett et a1. 116/76 7 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures ALARM SYSTEM AND APPARATUS The invention relates to an alarm system associated with a money containing receptacle, housing or coin box, the alarm system being of a character and incorporating a device for automatically rendering high pitched or shrill sounds signaling or giving notice that attempts are being made by unauthorized persons to dislodge, pilfer, tamper with or force entry to the receptacle or coin box.

The invention is particularly usable with such devices as pool tables, vending machines and the like equipped with removable or accessible money receiving receptacles or coin boxes, such coin boxes being particularly vulnerable to thievery as in most installations of coin boxes on pool tables and vending machines, the boxes may be dislodged or forced open and the contents re moved without too much difficulty resulting in financial loss to the owner as well as possible damage to the pool table or vending machine. Most thieves become frightened and take flight in event an audible alarm is sounded or attention directed to the region of the pool table or vending machine by an audible signal or loud noise.

The present invention embraces an alarm system associated with a coin receiving receptacle or cash box mounted by a device such as a pool table, vending machine or the like wherein the system will automatically sound an audible alarm or high pitched noise upon any dislodgment or disturbance of the coin box or money containing receptacle.

The invention relates more particularly to fluid pres sure activated or powered horn construction arranged to be actuated upon dislodgment or disturbance of coin box or money containing receptacle providing a high pitched shrill noise or sound which continues or endures until the pressure fluid supply is exhausted.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an alarm system which is relatively inexpensive and is reliable in operation and which may be quickly and easily installed in association with the coin boxes or receptacles of pool tables, vending machines and the like.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to various details of construction and to combinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawing of a form of the invention, which may be preferred, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of a pool table illustrating the alarm system or apparatus of the invention mounted by the pool table and associated with the coin receptacle or box;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the alarm system or audible signaling device of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the audible signaling device;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the horn and valve means, the view being taken substantially on the line 44 of FIG. 3, and

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the rela tive positions of the horn and gas supply container during activation of the horn.

While the alarm system or audible signaling device is illustrated in association with the coin box mounted by a game table, such as a pool table, it is to be understood that the alarm system or signaling device may be used in association with coin boxes of vending machines or with any dislodgeable body where it is desirable to provide an audible signal upon dislodgment or attempted dislodgment of the coin box or body.

Referring to the drawings, the game table illustrated is a conventional type of pool table 10 which includes a rectangular frame or frame construction 11 equipped with supporting legs 12, one of which is shown in FIG. 1, a playing surface 14, cushion rails 16 and ball receiving pockets 18. An end of the frame 11 is provided with a removable panel 20 providing access to a coin box or receptacle 22 supported by a frame member 24. The panel 20 is equipped with a conventional coin chute (not shown) which registers with an opening 26 in a member 27 adjacent the coin box 22, the coins being conveyed by the coin chute into the coin box or receptacle 22.

The pool table 10 is equipped with an audible signal producing device or instrumentality 30 which, in the embodiment illustrated, is mounted upon a panel or member 32 forming a component of the frame construction 11. The audible signaling device or instrumentality 30 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 2 through 5. The device 30 is inclusive of a mounting plate means comprising a plate or member 34 preferably of sheet metal having openings 36 accommodating screws or other means for securing the plate 34 to the panel 32.

The upper portion 38 of the plate 34 is offset from the major portion of the plate 34, the portion 38 terminating in a horizontal portion 40. Welded or otherwise secured to the portion 38 is a leg portion 42 of an L- shaped member 43, the member 43 having a horizontal portion 44 which is disposed in substantial parallelism with the horizontal portion 40 of the plate 34. The region between the horizontally disposed portions 40 and 44 snugly accommodates a gas operated horn 45, which includes a horn body 46 preferably fashioned of molded plastic or resinous material.

The horn body 46 is fashioned with vertically disposed ribs 48 which are snugly received between portions 40 and 44 to slightly distort the said portions whereby the horn is frictionally secured in position by portions 40 and 44. The horn is of thediaphragm type embodying a diaphragm 50 preferably of thin flexible metal which is secured in place by a plastic cap or cover 52 which overlaps an end portion of the horn body 46 and is cemented thereto by any suitable cementitious material. The peripheral region of the diaphragm 50 bears against an inner peripheral ledge 53 defining one end of the horn body 46.

The body 46 is fashioned with a tubular bell-shaped portion 55 which terminates in an annular seat 57 normally engaging the diaphragm in the manner shown in FIG. 4. The diaphragm 50 is fashioned with a small vent opening 59 to facilitate vibration of the diaphragm 50. The alarm device is inclusive of a container, canister or tank 60 adapted to contain a vaporizable material which provides a gas under pressure for actuating the diaphragm 50 to produce a shrill sound or audible signal. The container or tank 60 is preferably fashioned of metal to withstand the internal pressure of the vapor ized material.

The horn actuating medium is provided by a vaporizable material in the container 60 such as Freon-l2 (dichlorodifluoromethane) in liquid form in the container but which readily vaporizes upon release of pressure. The upper end of the container 60 is fashioned with an opening defined by a circular flange 62. A cover 64 is provided for the opening, the cover having a planar portion 65 and a peripheral region 66, the latter being rolled or formed over the flange 62 to securely anchor the cover to the container 60.

Means is provided connecting the cover 64 with the horn body 46, the connecting means including a flexible valve means whereby relative movement between the horn body 46 and the container 60 effects delivery of gas under pressure from the container 60 to the horn for vibrating the diaphragm 50 of the horn. Molded integrally with the horn body 46 is a depending projection 68 which is threaded interiorly as at 69 to accommodate a threaded portion 70 of a tubular member 71.

The tubular member 71 is rigid and is preferably fashioned of molded plastic or resinous material, the member 71 having a central passage 72 the lower end of which is closed by an enlarged disc-like portion 74. The wall of the member 71 adjacent the disc-like portion 74 is fashioned with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings or slots 76. Telescoped onto a smooth cylindrical portion 77 of member 71 is a valve member 78 having a frusto-conically shaped portion 79 disposed between the disc-like portion 74 of member 71 and the planar portion 65 of the cover member 64.

The interior of the frusto-conically shaped portion 79 adjacent the slots or openings 76 is fashioned with a circular recess 80. The valve or valve member 78 is fashioned of flexible or distortable material, such as rubber or plastic so that it may be flexed or distorted upon relative movement between the container 60 and the horn body 46. A circular flange or ledge 82 on the valve member 78 engages an interior circular upwardlyprojecting flange 84 on the portion 65 of the cover member 64 to retain member 78 in engagement with the cover 64.

An outwardly extending circular ledge 86 formed on the rigid member 71 engages the upper end of the valve member 78 thus retaining the valve member on the rigid tubular member 71 between the disc-like portion 74 and the ledge 86. The inner surface of the tubular valve member 78 snugly engages the exterior surface of portion 77 of member 71 to provide a gas tight seal.

In activating or actuating the horn to produce audible sounds, relative angular movement is effected between the horn body 46 and the tank 60, the angular position of the tank 60 being illustrated in FIG. 5. Such relative movement effects flexure or distortion of the flexible valve member 78, the frusto-conically shaped portion 79 of the valve member being distorted by the portion 74 of the rigid member 71, so as to provide a space between the disc-like portion 74 and the circular recess 80, such condition providing for the flow of gas under pressure from the container through the annular space 80, slots 81, passage 72 into a recess 88 and vent opening 89 in the horn body 46 into a chamber 90 of the horn adjacent the flexible diaphragm 50.

The pressure of the gas from the container in the chamber 90 causes vibration of the diaphragm 50 as the gas escapes past the circular seat 57 of the born. The gas pressure causes successive high frequency vibrations or flexures of the diaphragm 50 producing shrill sounds from the horn.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the horn body and its associated components are fixedly secured between the metal members 40 and 44 while the container or tank 60 is supported or suspended from the horn body by the rigid tubular member 71. In the embodiment illustrated, a resilient member or spring means 94 exerts a biasing force against the container 60 effective, upon release of a trigger member associated with the container 60, to move the container 60 to an angular position as shown in FIG. 5. When the container 60 is moved through an angular position relative to the horn body 46, the valve member 78 is distorted or flexed to facilitate flow of gas from the container to the horn diaphragm for producing audible sounds through vibration of the diaphragm as above described.

The spring means 94 is conflgurated with spaced leg portions 96 joined by a loop portion 97, the upper end regions of the legs 96 being bent transversely providing horizontal portions 98. The horizontal portions 98 are embraced in a sheet metal fitting 99 welded to the metal plate portion 44 providing an anchor for the spring means 94. The spring means 94 is normally under stress with the container in the position illustrated in FIG. 2.

A trigger, latch or keeper means is provided associated with the cash box 22 so that any relative movement or dislodgment of the cash box will release the container 60 for automatic angular movement under the stress or pressure of the spring 94 to horn activating position. Secured to the support member or plate 34 is an L-shaped bracket 102. Secured to the horizontal portion 103 of bracket 102 is a comparatively thin flexible metal plate 104 fastened to the bracket by rivets 105 or other suitable means.

Member 104 is secured to a portion 107 of a keeper or latch member 108 by rivets 109 or other securing means. The region 111 of the plate 104 provides a hinging zone whereby the keeper member or trigger 108 may be moved relative to the container 60 and the portion 103 of the bracket 102 which forms an anchor means for the keeper or trigger member 108, the member 108 being prestressed for movement to the position shown in FIG. 5. The member 108 has a vertical ledge portion or keeper portion which engages one side of the lower end of the container 60 substantially diametrically opposite to the region of engagement of the loop 97 of the spring means with the container.

A portion 112 of the keeper or member 108 is provided with means for engagement with a member 114 which is secured to the cash box 22, shown in FIG. 1. The means illustrated in FIG. '2 comprises a threaded member 116 having an end 118 in engagement with the member 114. The position of the threaded member with respect to the keeper or trigger member 108 may be adjusted by adjusting nuts 120 disposed at each side of the adjacent region of the keeper or member 108, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.

When any attempt at dislodgment or removal of the cash box occurs the member 114 will be moved from engagement from the member 116, releasing the abutment 110 or ledge of the prestressed trigger member 108 from engagement with the container 60, and releasing the container for movement under the pressure of spring 94 to the angular position shown in FIG. 5. As the container 60 is moved to the angular position shown in FIG. 5, the valve member 78 is distorted permitting flow of gas under pressure from the container to the horn and vibrating the diaphragm 50 producing audible shrill sounds, the sounds attracting attention and alerting anyone present that theft or pilfering of the cash box is in progress: With the container 60 in the relative angular position shown in FIG. 5, audible sounds emanate from the horn until the gas pressure is exhausted from the container. 60.

The alarm system above described is of a character for use or association with coin boxes of pool tables, vending machines and devices of similar character particularly where access may be had to a coin box by surreptitious persons without attracting attention. While in the embodiment illustrated, the container 60 is disposed for movement relative to the horn body 46, it is to be understood that any relative movement between the horn body and the container 60 will actuate the valve 78 and effect delivery of gas under pressure from the container 60 to the horn for vibrating the diaphragm 50 to produce shrill sounds.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made other than as herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

I claim:

1. The combination with a coin receiving receptacle mounted by support means of an alarm system comprising an audible sound-producing device including a gas pressure actuated horn, means supporting the horn in a fixed position, a relatively movable pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, tubular means connecting the container and the horn and supporting the container, flexible valve means associated with the tubular means actuable by movement of the container relative to the horn to control flow of gas to the horn, biasing means for effecting movement of the container relative to the horn, and a member associated with the receptacle and movable upon dislodgment of the receptacle with respect to its support means to a position releasing said biasing means to effect movement of the container relative to the horn and thereby flex said valve means to admit gas to the horn for producing an audible signal.

2. The combination with a coin receiving box mounted by support means of an alarm system for producing audible sounds upon dislodgment of the coin box relative to its support means, the alarm system comprising a relatively fixed gas pressure actuated horn, a relatively movable pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, flexible means connecting the container and the horn providing for movement of the container relative to the horn, said connecting means including valve means, spring biasing means engaging said container for effecting movement of the container relative to the horn, and a keeper member associated with the coin box and movable to a position upon dislodgment of the coin box releasing said biasing means to effect movement of the container relative to the horn and thereby actuate the valve means to admit gas from the container to the horn for producing an audible signal.

3. The combination with a coin box mounted by support means of an alarm system for producing audible sounds upon dislodgment of the coin box relative to its support means, the alarm system comprising a gas pressure actuating horn, a relatively movable pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, means for fixedly mounting the horn adjacent the coin box, flexible means connecting the horn with the container for supporting the container, said flexible connecting means including valve means, a latch member associated with the coin box and engaging the pressurized gas container normally preventing relative movement of the container with respect to the horn, spring means engageable with the container exerting biasing pressure on the container, said latch member being movable to a position upon dislodgment of the coin box releasing the pressurized gas container for movement under the influence of the spring biasing means thereby actuating the valve means to admit gas from the container to the horn for producing an audible signal.

4. The combination with a coin box mounted by support means of an alarm system for producing audible sounds upon dislodgment of the coin box relative to its support means, the alarm system comprising a gas pressure actuated horn, a pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, a mounting plate, said horn being fixedly supported by the mounting plate, means including flexible valve means connecting the container with the horn whereby the container is suspended by the horn, spring means engaging the container normally biasing the container for movement relative to the horn, a keeper member associated with the coin box, said keeper member engaging the container for normally preventing movement of the container, said keeper member upon dislodgment of the coin box being movable to a position releasing the container for movement under the influence of the spring biasing means to a position actuating the valve means to admit gas to the horn for producing an audible signal.

5. The combination with a pool table equipped with a coin box of an alarm system for producing audible sounds upon dislodgment of the coin box, the alarm system comprising a fixedly mounted gas pressure actuated horn, a relatively movable pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, means connecting the container with the horn including valve means for controlling flow of gas to the horn, biasing means for effecting movement of the container relative to the horn, a latch member associated with the coin box, said latch member being movable upon dislodgment of the coin box for releasing said biasing means to effect movement of the container relative to the horn, said valve means being actuated by movement of the container relative to the horn for admitting gas to the horn for producing an audible signal.

6. The combination with a pool table equipped with a coin box of an alarm system for producing audible sounds upon dislodgment of the coin box, the alarm system comprising a gas pressure actuated horn, a relatively movable pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, mounting plate means for the horn having a portion engaging and supporting the horn in a fixed position, means including flexible valve means connecting the container with the horn, spring means engaging the container normally biasing the container for movement relative to the horn, a latch member hingedly supported by the mounting plate means, said latch member being associated with the coin box and engaging the container for normally preventing dislodgment of the container, said latch member upon dislodgment of the coin box being movable to a position releasing the container for movement under the influence of the spring means to a position actuating the valve means to admit gas from the container to the horn for producing an audible signal.

7. The combination according to claim 6 wherein the mounting plate means includes an L-shaped member engaging the horn, the said spring means comprising a loop-shaped spring having its ends anchored to the L- shaped member with the loop portion of the spring means engaging the container. 

1. The combination with a coin receiving receptacle mounted by support means of an alarm system comprIsing an audible soundproducing device including a gas pressure actuated horn, means supporting the horn in a fixed position, a relatively movable pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, tubular means connecting the container and the horn and supporting the container, flexible valve means associated with the tubular means actuable by movement of the container relative to the horn to control flow of gas to the horn, biasing means for effecting movement of the container relative to the horn, and a member associated with the receptacle and movable upon dislodgment of the receptacle with respect to its support means to a position releasing said biasing means to effect movement of the container relative to the horn and thereby flex said valve means to admit gas to the horn for producing an audible signal.
 2. The combination with a coin receiving box mounted by support means of an alarm system for producing audible sounds upon dislodgment of the coin box relative to its support means, the alarm system comprising a relatively fixed gas pressure actuated horn, a relatively movable pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, flexible means connecting the container and the horn providing for movement of the container relative to the horn, said connecting means including valve means, spring biasing means engaging said container for effecting movement of the container relative to the horn, and a keeper member associated with the coin box and movable to a position upon dislodgment of the coin box releasing said biasing means to effect movement of the container relative to the horn and thereby actuate the valve means to admit gas from the container to the horn for producing an audible signal.
 3. The combination with a coin box mounted by support means of an alarm system for producing audible sounds upon dislodgment of the coin box relative to its support means, the alarm system comprising a gas pressure actuating horn, a relatively movable pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, means for fixedly mounting the horn adjacent the coin box, flexible means connecting the horn with the container for supporting the container, said flexible connecting means including valve means, a latch member associated with the coin box and engaging the pressurized gas container normally preventing relative movement of the container with respect to the horn, spring means engageable with the container exerting biasing pressure on the container, said latch member being movable to a position upon dislodgment of the coin box releasing the pressurized gas container for movement under the influence of the spring biasing means thereby actuating the valve means to admit gas from the container to the horn for producing an audible signal.
 4. The combination with a coin box mounted by support means of an alarm system for producing audible sounds upon dislodgment of the coin box relative to its support means, the alarm system comprising a gas pressure actuated horn, a pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, a mounting plate, said horn being fixedly supported by the mounting plate, means including flexible valve means connecting the container with the horn whereby the container is suspended by the horn, spring means engaging the container normally biasing the container for movement relative to the horn, a keeper member associated with the coin box, said keeper member engaging the container for normally preventing movement of the container, said keeper member upon dislodgment of the coin box being movable to a position releasing the container for movement under the influence of the spring biasing means to a position actuating the valve means to admit gas to the horn for producing an audible signal.
 5. The combination with a pool table equipped with a coin box of an alarm system for producing audible sounds upon dislodgment of the coin box, the alarm system comprising a fixedly mounted gas pressure actuated horn, a relatively movable presSurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, means connecting the container with the horn including valve means for controlling flow of gas to the horn, biasing means for effecting movement of the container relative to the horn, a latch member associated with the coin box, said latch member being movable upon dislodgment of the coin box for releasing said biasing means to effect movement of the container relative to the horn, said valve means being actuated by movement of the container relative to the horn for admitting gas to the horn for producing an audible signal.
 6. The combination with a pool table equipped with a coin box of an alarm system for producing audible sounds upon dislodgment of the coin box, the alarm system comprising a gas pressure actuated horn, a relatively movable pressurized gas container for supplying gas to the horn, mounting plate means for the horn having a portion engaging and supporting the horn in a fixed position, means including flexible valve means connecting the container with the horn, spring means engaging the container normally biasing the container for movement relative to the horn, a latch member hingedly supported by the mounting plate means, said latch member being associated with the coin box and engaging the container for normally preventing dislodgment of the container, said latch member upon dislodgment of the coin box being movable to a position releasing the container for movement under the influence of the spring means to a position actuating the valve means to admit gas from the container to the horn for producing an audible signal.
 7. The combination according to claim 6 wherein the mounting plate means includes an L-shaped member engaging the horn, the said spring means comprising a loop-shaped spring having its ends anchored to the L-shaped member with the loop portion of the spring means engaging the container. 